Nineteen Minutes, Jodi Picoult, Atria Books, 2007, 455 pp
As I read this reading group pick, it was just days before the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. I find it hard to absorb the terrible truth that we have been living under this horror for two decades now without any effective measures being taken.
Given her interests, it is no surprise that Jodi Picoult would take up the subject in a novel. Unfortunately for me, I did not like anything about her book. Not the writing, not the portrayal of the characters, and especially not her usual attempt to find answers without clearly taking a stand on the issue.
That is all I will say. I know Picoult has devoted fans, I am sure she is making a living writing novels, and I grant that she brings tough topics before the minds and hearts of readers, especially white female adult readers.
Only I and one other group member disliked the novel. The Bookie Babes have read four of Picoult's books over the years, therefore so have I. I am calling it quits on this author, no matter what.
Too bad that the book fell short in so many ways. The subject matter sounds very interesting. I will be reading Small Great Things soon. Jodi Picoult and myself had a disagreement on Twitter recently. She was extremely civil and reasoned and we ended up finding more common ground then differences between our opinions. She suggested that I read Small Great Things to understand her views better. This will be my first Picoult book.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, yes. Timely, yes, especially since there was another shooting yesterday. Small Great Things was the only one I have read that I found somewhat good. Wow, a Twitter disagreement with the author! That sounds exciting. Glad you two could work it out.
DeleteI haven't read anything by Picoult - her books have just never appealed to me. I think after four books you've read enough to know that she is not an author for you!
ReplyDeleteI certainly think so!
DeleteI'm amazed you managed even that many. I will give a pass to any of her books after just the one.
DeleteToo bad you don't find anything to like in her writing. I loved one of hers, and liked the other. I have read just two by her. I have another one on my TBR.
ReplyDeleteYes, well I am in the minority when it comes to this author.
DeleteI've only read one Picoult book, Small Great Things, which I read last year. I found it enjoyable for what it was but very predictable. I read it because I wanted to see why so many people love her books. I can certainly see why they appeal to a particular demographic and I do give her credit for tackling controversial topics which that demographic needs to hear about. It's unlikely that I will be reading more of her books.
ReplyDeleteSmall Great Things was for me the most tolerable of the 4 I have read.
DeleteMy sentiments exactly. Same as you, I probably would have never picked one of her books even though her topics are interesting to me. But my book club chose one of her novels, My Sister's Keeper.
ReplyDeleteIf I should ever be in a book club whre they choose to read one of her books, I'll pass.
Somehow I knew you would understand my position.
DeleteWell, I wasn't surprised, either. ;)
DeleteI enjoyed a few Picoult's earlier books, but stopped reading her years ago. It seemed like her novels were becoming more formulaic and emotionally manipulative.
ReplyDeleteYour pair of adjectives sum up the problem I have with this author.
DeleteWow. I've never read this one by her but after your review, I think I will skip it.
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are better books about the subject, though I have not read others yet.
DeleteTry The Hour I first believed by Wally Lamb, also on the Columbine High School shootings.
DeleteAnother great one about a fictional mass killing at a school is We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver.
Thanks Marianne!
DeleteI read Sing You Home several years ago, and have passed on this author ever since. Good call on your part.
ReplyDeleteOne must spend her reading hours where they will count!
DeleteAre her books sensationalist drivel? The Bookie Babes know where you stand !
ReplyDeleteShe is just so tone deaf, both in her writing and her views. At least compared to the way I see things.
DeleteInteresting, because so many people seem to love her books. Her writing has never appealed to me, and it seems like you have given more than enough chances. What in particular about this one did you find so repulsive?
ReplyDeleteThe writing was just lame. I could not believe that many of the characters would do what she was having them do. And more, but it doesn't matter. I am often in the minority about very popular fiction.
DeleteI'll give this one a miss. Cheers
ReplyDeleteSure thing.
DeleteI'm glad I haven't read this novel. It doesn't sound pleasant. I trust your judgment on it as you have really good taste when it comes to authors and novels.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you Lisa!
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